– -Is it really true that the un-examined life is not worth living? – Today, Socrates is thought of as one of the world’s great philosophers, but to the leaders of Greece he was annoying
Remembering the Civil Rights Movement
I grew up in the 1960’s and remember the tumultuous times in which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., made his historic mark on American society. Dr. King was always
Making Martin Luther King Day Meaningful
This Monday we celebrate the legacy of one of my heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For many, it will be a time to enjoy a three-day weekend out of town with friends or family.
Do you know when to back off?
-There are two sides to the respect coin. One is to pay attention to people, to hear them out. Another is to back off rather than browbeat someone who doesn’t agree with you. – I’ve talked before about the ethical obligation
Why Martin Luther King Is a Hero
The dictionary defines a hero as “a person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life.” A “personal hero”
Notes to the Boss
Based on years of managing several organizations, including the Josephson Institute of Ethics, and on extensive consultation with large and small organizations, I’ve distilled much of what I believe and advocate into “Ten Truths.” I hope you find this list helpful. Feel free to share it with colleagues and friends.
Better to be wise than right
If you want to become wise, treat every conversation as an opportunity to learn. If you want to influence others, treat every conversation as an opportunity to understand, not
Facebook Post of Daughter’s Compassion Makes Mom Proud
I’d like to share a posting from the Facebook page “Paying it Forward ~ One Day at a Time.” The author, Beth, shares a truly inspirational and beautiful story: Tonight is one that I won’t easily be able to forget — and for good reason. There’s this homeless man that I see VERY often, and it’s always hard to drive …
Shopping carts and character
– There are two kind of people: those who return their shopping carts and those who don’t. – When we think about character, we tend to envision really big things, like taking heavy risks, committing bold acts of integrity, being grandly generous, or making tough sacrifices. Such noble choices indicate character,
We’re all ethical in our own eyes
-When it comes to our self-perception of our ethics, most of us have delusions of grandeur. – Think of the most ethical person you know. Do a lot of people come to mind or only a few? Are you having trouble thinking of anyone? If I asked that question of the people who know you well, how many would name …
The Case for Endless Gratitude
This is a video you should watch regularly – perhaps once a month — really! It introduces a perspective on gratitude that can enrich your life. TED presentation by Louie Schwartzberg – Gratitude and Beauty
Build Bridges That Others May Use
Martin Luther King, Jr., said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” In a world increasingly dominated by unapologetic selfishness,
How Happy Are You?
– On a scale of one to 10 — with 10 being “It’s as good as it gets! I’m even happier than Charlie Sheen thinks he is,” and one being “Life sucks; it can’t get worse” — how happy are you with your life? Researchers say that when asked to grade their lives on a happiness scale, most
We Shape Our Own Character
Character may determine our fate, but character is not determined by fate. There’s no doubt that our character has a profound effect on our future. What we must remember, however, is
COMMENTARY: Happiness Is More Than Fun and Pleasure
Ask young people why they get high on drugs or alcohol or seek sex without intimacy or commitment and they’re likely to tell you it’s fun and they just want to be happy.
Happiness
Happiness the peace of mind that comes from feeling that I am living a worthy life in the company of people I love and in the service of something bigger than myself. – Michael Josephson
Build a Bridge for Others
Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” In a world increasingly dominated by unapologetic selfishness,
Earning and Retaining Trust
– How does one earn trust? Let’s start with the basics: To be trusted, one has to be trustworthy. Trustworthiness, however, is a more complex concept than most people realize. It embodies four separate virtues: integrity, honesty, promise-keeping and loyalty. A failure in any one of these areas
Greatest Quotations Ever on Change
—compiled by Michael Josephson. –
How to Achieve Real Change – Part 2
How an Elephant Chose My Daughter’s College: Emotions are Stronger Than Logic.
Invest today in your tomorrow
Do what you have to do now and you will have what you want to have later. Whether its procrastination, laziness, disorganization
How to Achieve Real Change – Part 1
It took me a long time to realize the limitations of logic. For much of my life, including a 20-year stint as a law professor, I relied on discourse